Saskatoon city manager Murray Totland to leave city hall at end of 2017 after 35-year career

City manager Murray Totland has become the second high-ranking city hall figure to step down in the last three months.

Mayor Charlie Clark says he's not 'cleaning house' after exit of 2nd top city official

Guy Quenneville · CBC News · Posted: Sep 22, 2017 11:47 AM EDT | Last Updated: September 22, 2017

Murray Totland has served as the city manager since 2009 but first started working for the city in 1982. (Guy Quenneville/CBC)

Saskatoon city manager Murray Totland announced on Friday he is stepping down at the end of this year, becoming the second high-ranking city hall figure to announce his resignation in the last three months.

Totland, 60, has worked at city hall since 1982. He said at a news conference Friday it was a good time to leave because the city is in a "good place," adding that it was a personal decision.

He told Mayor Charlie Clark of his decision on Monday.

Saskatoon police Chief Clive Weighill retires

The news comes three months after longtime Saskatoon police Chief Clive Weighill announced he would retire at the start of October.

Mayor Charlie Clark, left, speaks at Totland's announcement Friday. (Guy Quenneville/CBC)

Clark said both resignations were personal decisions made without his influence.

"It's not me cleaning house. I can tell you in both cases absolutely," said Clark.

"This isn't going to create turmoil. We are starting with a position of strength here."

Saskatoon becoming a 'small big city': Totland

Totland, an engineer by trade, said he was proud of the work the city has done on road infrastructure, describing it as "fundamentally game-changing."

He also remarked on the city's considerable population growth during his 35 years at the city.

"We're transitioning from this big small city to this small big city," he said.

Totland says he has no plans to leave Saskatoon and will stay to see through the city's difficult 2018 budget, which is currently facing a $10.9-million shortfall.

"I'd like to get that budget approved. That would be terrific," said Totland.

He did not rule out future work with the city or elsewhere.

Totland, whose contract expires in 2019, made more than $300,000 in salary in 2016 and will collect a bonus when he leaves.

Clark said a replacement for Totland may not be ready in time for Jan. 1, 2018, but that a hiring committee drawn from city councillors will be formed.